Monday was the first official practice for high school football teams across the area as squads began early to get started on the new season.

For the Webster Thomas Titans, it was the first day of what they hope to be a big season in 2014.

"Summer vacation is over," said Head Coach Scott Deuschle. "We are going to put them through the wringer today."

Deuschle started the Thomas Titans Football Program in 2002 and led the team to Section V Championships in 2004 and 2005.

For players, the opening of camp means saying goodbye to summer.

"I'm used to sleeping in until noon everyday but now I have to wake up early and put work in," said Steven Zaccardo, 17. "It's not a bad thing though."

The football, soccer, field hockey, swimming and other practices on Monday through the fall season are recognized by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, which includes Section V and is the state's largest high school sports sanctioning body.

Season openers for area high school teams begin on Sept. 5.

On Monday, the Webster team worked on conditioning during the opening-day practice.

"I've been looking forward to this all summer," said Alex Huchings, 17. "Getting the pads back on."